Of course, there are many more. But as you can see, unexpected expenses can add up quickly.

When it comes to dealing with unexpected expenses, money expert Clark Howard says the key is to practice something we should be doing anyway: Saving.

Clark’s solution: Build an ‘oops fund’

“If you don’t have savings then you’re not prepared for the ‘oops’ in life,” Clark says. “Because ‘oops’ happen — all different types and sizes, and a lot of times we’re not in a position to deal with them.”

Clark says the numbers show that if you’re not saving — even a small amount — the risk of financial ruin is much higher.

“Surveys show, no matter how the question is asked, that roughly half of Americans cannot handle a simple financial hiccup in their lives — some part of our car breaks, or something in your home needs repairing or replacing or whatever it is that’s a surprise — you don’t have anything to draw on,” he says. “That’s why having savings in an oops fund or emergency fund is so important.”